There Is No Advantage In Moving First When It Comes To Chess

Chess is the most enduring game in the battle of human intuition versus computing. It is a game of equality, full of dynamism. Moving first in chess always gives an advantage to the player. From the ancient days, it is the right given to the White pieces. In any game of chess, White makes the first move. It is an inherent asset to the player (White). But the first move advantage without the ability to have intuitive understanding of the game does not turn the seemingly drawn position into victories. The first move helps the player to avoid early game crises but it cannot persist till the end game. If the player (either white or black) understands the psychology behind chess and knows his opponent’s playing style, the White side impeccable way of forcing his opponent to resign by strangling their position and tying their pieces in knots.

Why First Move in Chess is More Likely to Win

It is always said that the player who makes the first move is more likely to win in a game of chess but that is mere perception and it has nothing to do with facts. In games between novices and in a blitz game, White does not have a significant advantage. The player (White) who makes the first move gains the chance to coax the opening stage of the game in the way he/she want and he/she can develop his/her moves faster this way but if Black is successful in deciphering his/her moves, White’s strategy and first move advantage goes in vain.

There is no advantage in moving first when it comes to chess

The first move also adds an intimidation factor to the natural talent of the player, but that doesn’t mean the player (White) is able to avoid psychological lapses and maintain high standard of play. The first move has an edge in chess, but it is not significant enough to force a victory with optimal play. If Black makes one or two inaccurate move, that is not enough for White to score the full point with perfect play. The first move gives players a chance to lay bait for their opponents but whether the opponent is trapped or not, depends on the player. Many a famous chess player has endorsed that even though White makes the first move, it doesn’t give White more chances of winning in chess. White attacks first, and gets a total of 20 unrestrained first moves, possibly, while black’s moves are limited based on White’s first move. As long as the first mover is keeping up with the initiative they had taken, he/she controls the game; but the moment they lose control, they are ruined.

Black and White both have to fight for restoring equilibrium in the game of chess. The first move does not facilitate the player to play powerfully into the sides and center. Black can’t apply the same strategy in games as White; even if they do they will be always a step behind as White always has the first move luxury. Black has to anticipate their moves after White’s first move, whereas White’s first move is fully free of anticipation. Despite these reasons, strong counter measures and counter attacks by Black always can give them an upper hand in a game. With latent potential and killer moves, Black can equalize the game. A minor mistake by Black or White has very serious consequences in chess. First moves are sometimes known as the drawing weapons but they are not necessarily success weapons.

Chess is the most unpredictable game; the first move does not give White a better chance to exploit informational or directional advantages. Smart players are able to not telegraph their strategies to their opponents by concealing their action whether they moved first or not. First movers rarely dominate the game. A first move which is elegant but deadly by the players gives them a very slim chance at winning but for that their performance throughout the game should be consistent. All the above-mentioned facts stem from the reason that there is no advantage in moving first in chess.